Smoky Pineapple and Cilantro Rice Bowl with Charred Shrimp
A vibrant rice bowl featuring smoky grilled shrimp and pineapple served over cilantro-lime rice, inspired by Tiki tropical flavors and colors. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium shrimp (peeled and deveined), fresh pineapple chunks, cooked jasmine rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb medium peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (400°F). Thread shrimp and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks onto skewers.
- Step 3: Grill the shrimp and pineapple skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred, and pineapple has grill marks.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; toss to mix and fluff the rice.
- Step 5: Divide the cilantro-lime rice evenly among 4 bowls and top with the grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers. Serve immediately for a smoky, tropical rice bowl.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Pineapple and Cilantro Rice Bowl with Charred Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoky Pineapple and Cilantro Rice Bowl with Charred Shrimp?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh pineapple chunks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Pineapple and Cilantro Rice Bowl with Charred Shrimp?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoky Pineapple and Cilantro Rice Bowl with Charred Shrimp for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoky Pineapple and Cilantro Rice Bowl with Charred Shrimp?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
